Kirchman Construction scores second major award for Okeechobee Animal Clinic

Ronnie Kirchman, II, holding the coveted Aurora Award won by his company for an animal hospital in Okeechobee.

STUART - Kirchman Construction Co. of Stuart has received a second major industry honor for its work on the Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital. The company, which won a national award for that project last November, was presented with an Aurora Award on July 23 at the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) Show in Orlando.

The Aurora was accepted by Ronnie Kirchman, II, company vice president, at a black-tie gala marking the end of the 33rd annual SEBC Show, the largest exposition of its kind in the region.

The Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital is a two-story, 8,375 sq. ft. clinic with six exam rooms and a surgical suite with two operating rooms, radiology and prep rooms. The clinic was built in the style generally known as "Old Florida," and features porches and broad overhangs supported by natural cedar columns. It was designed by BDA Architecture of Albuquerque, NM, one of the nation's leading designers of animal care facilities.

The Aurora Awards are sponsored by the Florida Home Builders Association and DesignIdeas Magazine. The annual competition is open to builders, designers, architects, land planners, interior merchandisers and other professionals in construction industry throughout the 12-state Southeast region and the Eastern Caribbean.

Based in Stuart, Kirchman Construction is a general contracting firm which celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year. Established in 1971, the company is engaged primarily in commercial construction, and is a recognized leader in such niche markets as religious facilities, medical facilities, financial institutions and animal care facilities.